Marcy NS-716R Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike

With the Marcy NS-716R, it is possible to lose between 300 and 500 calories in just one hour with very little effort. Designed to keep the user in a lean-back and reclined position, this particular machine costs between $100 and $200, which is ideal for users who are on a restricted budget. It comes with the basic amenities, so it’s ideal for athletes who plan on using this machine a few times per week. Because of its low price, this bike does not include more professional features but it’s quite easy to use and fairly comfortable.

Comfort Level

The Marcy NS-716R has a decent level of comfort, especially considering its affordable price tag. It comes with larger-than-average pedals to easily wrap around different ankle and shoe sizes. The straps are made from resistant rubber and are fully adjustable. They are also lightly textured to provide you with a firm grip. As far as the seat is concerned, it may not be ergonomically shaped and as thickly padded as higher-end machines, but the light padding does provide some light comfort during lengthier workouts. The back rest is also designed to prevent any straining. It is enhanced with lumbar support to help you adopt the correct posture for training. The adjustable saddle can be moved forwards and backwards, depending on how tall or short you are.

The handlebars are set quite far apart, hence providing the user with ample room on the seat. Consequently, it can easily accommodate larger users. Instead of having to climb on the machine, users can just use the “Step-In” option to mount it. This is why this bike is often recommended to elderly and obese users. The machine does not include more luxurious amenities like a water bottle holder and built in fan but it does include heart rate sensors that are built in the handlebars. To keep you motivated, it also comes with a pair of average-quality speakers, hence enabling you to train to the rhythm of your favorite music.

Features and Specifications

The Marcy NS-716R has the following technical specifications:

Resistance: Magnetic

Resistance Levels: 8

Maximum Capacity: 300 pounds

Machine Weight: 56 pounds

Transport wheels: Yes

The Marcy NS-716R is powered by magnetic resistance to provide you with a smooth cycling experience. The magnetic resistance is also ideal for users of different fitness levels: indeed, athletes will be able to choose between 8 levels of resistance to vary their workouts. This can additionally be used for interval training whereby users alternate between lower and higher levels of resistance. To access the different levels of resistance, athletes need to use the average-sized display console. This is within arm’s reach and can also be used to display different types of information related to your exercise session. This includes the number of calories burned, time elapsed, distance covered and even your pulse. To track your pulse, you simply need to grip the handlebars for the machine to provide an approximate reading of your heart rate. Users require 2AA batteries to operate the console.

With up to 300 pounds of user capacity, the NS-716R is better suited to obese users than the similarly priced Sunny Folding and Sunny Pink.

Ease of Use

Thanks to its entry-level features, the Marcy NS-716R is quite simple to use. It also has the advantage of being quite lightweight, hence enabling you to move it to just about any room you want. In fact, it is even equipped with transport wheels, which make it even more mobile while facilitating storage. If you’re overweight or if you’re fond of more vigorous workouts, you will be glad to learn that the machine also includes both rear and front stabilizers to ensure that the bike remains entirely immobile while you’re training.

The display console is also extremely simple to use and understand. The font is large enough to be read from a distance. However, the screen brightness and resolution might make it problematic for you to read the figures in darker rooms. The different levels of resistance are also quite straightforward and easy to shuffle through. Because of its heavy flywheel, the bike delivers a smooth resistance while encouraging most muscles of your body to participate in the motions.

Assembly and parts

Users will need to put together the frame, console, pedals and saddle but assembling the bike is quite easy, especially because of its basic options. In fact, the majority of customers found that they only needed between thirty minutes to an hour to set up the machine. More importantly, you will receive an instructions manual to guide you through this process. The booklet is detailed and features several illustrations to render this step even easier for you. The main tools and accessories such as the bolts, screws and knobs are included in the boxed packaging.

Drawbacks

Since this is an entry-level bike, there have been a few drawbacks reported about this particular model. Some customers, for example, complained about a mechanical noise that the machine emitted, especially when they indulged in more vigorous training sessions. Other customers complained about the console and found that they needed to squint at the screen or lean forwards to consult their workout data. Lastly, some people found that the assembly process was tedious but this was not a widespread concern.

Overall

If you’re an experienced athlete, you might want to look for a machine with more advanced options. However, athletes who are looking for a budget-friendly bike for light to moderate use will certainly be pleased with the various options offered by this bike. The Marcy NS-716R is covered by a 2-year warranty.